SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – A bill in the Illinois House of Representatives aims to eliminate the state’s subminimum wage for workers who have disabilities.

Advocates joined the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, to announced their ready to move forward with the Dignity in Pay Act.

The bill would require employers to pay people with disabilities the full state minimum wage, which will become $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025. The requirement would be phased in over several years.

“Subminimum wage payment denies fair compensation and perpetuates ableism with society, intensifying employment and financial disparities,” said Mariel Hamer-Sinclair with the Illinois Council on Development Disabilities.

Opponents have expressed concern the bill would force organizations employing and providing services to people with disabilities to close. To help assuage that fear, the bill now includes a $2 million fund for the Illinois Department of Human Services to give out grants to organizations employing people with disabilities to help ease the transition.

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